THE HOT 5
An opinionated to-do list
By Christopher Schobert

The holiday season is about saluting the important people in our lives, those who give of themselves, listen to our problems, and represent what charity is all about. Of course, I’m referring to Kanye West and Lady Gaga, who were scheduled to perform at HSBC Arena on December 20, until their “Fame Kills” tour was killed. But there are plenty of other ways, too, to celebrate the season, give back, and have a smashing time. Our holiday calendar features plenty of fine December picks, and here are five more that stand out. Happy Hot 5 to you and yours.


Victorian Christmas photo courtesy of Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.
1. Victorian Christmas
The annual Victorian Christmas celebration at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site is always a nice event, an immaculately planned trip to the holidays in a much simpler time. But 2009 will be especially, well, special, since this is the first Victorian Christmas at the newly renovated, expanded location. As always, various events make up the celebration, including a silent auction and wine tasting, luncheons, and even a field trip to Kleinhans for a BPO concert. Reservations are required, so act fast.
Opening night silent auction and wine tasting: 6–8:30 p.m. December 3; gourmet wine and food pairing: December 8; other events run through the month, at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Avenue; 884-0095 or www.nps.gov/thri/planyourvisit/victorianchristmas.htm.

Scot Bruce image courtesy of UB’s CFA.
2. Blue Suede Christmas
It’s been a tough 2009 for Elvis Presley fans, as the Beatles have stolen all the nostalgia press and Michael Jackson’s death has put a temporary quell on the King’s longstanding status as Deceased Solo Artist #1. But just in time for the holidays, Elvis impressionists Scot Bruce (svelte Fifties King) and Mike Albert (jussst-on-the-cusp-of-trouble Seventies King) are back at UB’s Center for the Arts. The duo has visited WNY for a few years in a row now, and always draws packed crowds. It’s with good reason; the show is a blast, and they capture the side of Elvis we actually want to remember. This being a holiday-themed show, expect a killer “Blue Christmas.”
8 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 at UB’s Center for the Arts, North Campus, Amherst; www.ubcfa.org.

3. Christmas at Hull House
The Hull Family Home and Farmstead—a.k.a. the Hull House—is the oldest stone dwelling in Erie County, a true historical treasure. Like the Roosevelt Site, it’s the venue for a quaint, old-fashioned holiday celebration featuring period decorations, music, food, activities, and more; you can even have a holiday portrait taken for your Christmas card. Incidentally, the Hull House is currently sponsoring a photography contest, one of many events in 2010 that will commemorate the bicentennial of the building (circa 1810). It’s open to children and adults, both amateur and professional photographers, and submitted photos must have been taken between September 1, 2009, and August 31, 2010. The subject of each entry must be a physical element of the house, or an event sponsored by the Hull House Foundation, so bring a camera to Christmas at Hull House, and you just might emerge victorious. (Visit www.hullfamilyhome.org for a complete list of contest rules.)
Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hull House, 5976 Genesee Street, Lancaster; 681-6451 or www.hullfamilyhome.org.

Niagara Wine Trail logo courtesy of the Niagara Wine Trail.
4. Holiday Happening on the Niagara Wine Trail
If you’re like me, you never grow tired of hearing folks rave about the Niagara Wine Trail. Why would you? It’s wine, it’s nearby, and often features events like the Holiday Happening, scheduled for two weekends in December. Tickets include tastings at each winery, a commemorative wine glass from the starting winery, and a collectible ornament from each. (All of the Trail’s listed wineries will participate, save Black Willow, according to niagarawinetrail.org.) Those tickets are good for all event days, so visits can be spread out if desired. And in a nice touch, designated driver and couple tickets are also available. It adds up to a new way to celebrate the holidays—and snag some unique gifts while you’re at it.
December 5–6 and 12–13 on the Niagara Wine Trail; www.niagarawinetrail.org.

5. Roycroft Winter Festival
And to bring our holiday-edition Hot 5 to a close, the Roycroft Winter Festival, an event celebrating a group—the Roycrofters-at-Large-Association—that needs no introduction. But here’s a brief one anyway: The not-for-profit organization works tirelessly to keep alive the spirit, philosophy, and history of the Roycroft Campus and Elbert Hubbard. And the Winter Festival is a way we all can participate. It features displays from Roycroft artisans and fine goods for sale. Ho, ho, and ho!
Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at East Aurora Main Street School, 430 Main Street, East Aurora; 655-7252 or www.ralaweb.com.

Spree associate editor Christopher Schobert’s favorite Elvis song is his cover of “Hey Jude,” just nudging past “In the Ghetto.”


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